Wantagh Fundraiser Set In Honor Of NYPD Officer Killed In Iraq

WANTAGH, NY — Fourteen years after an NYPD officer was killed by sniper fire while training an Iraqi officer, a fundraiser is planned in his honor to raise money for charities including the Wounded Warriors Project and the Northport PTSD Veterans Association.

Jimmy McNaughton volunteered for his second deployment in the fall of 2004 and his unit deployed to Iraq a couple months later, taking command of Abu Ghraib Prison. In the summer of 2005, he volunteered to help train Iraqi Highway Patrol officers, accepting the dangerous mission so his fellow soldiers — who had families and children back home — wouldn't have to. In August 2005, a sniper shot and killed McNaughton, 27, making him the first NYPD officer to die as a soldier in Iraq.

To honor him, a Manhattan street was renamed after McNaughton in October.

The 15th annual tribute to McNaughton is planned Jan. 25 at Mulcahy's Pub and Concert Hall in Wantagh. The eight-hour event, to begin at 1 p.m., will feature free food, drink specials, giveaways, live music, raffles and more, according to an event flyer. Organizers ask for a $20 donation. The benefit will honor and remember McNaughton's life, while raising money for charities.

"Our goal of the event is to ensure that we keep Jimmy's memory alive, while honoring all of the fallen heroes who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and raising awareness and support for veterans and service members who incurred a physical or mental injury, illness, or wound, due to their military service," organizers said.

Over the years, more than 50,000 people have attended the benefit, including police officers, community members, military members, businesses and performers.